A group of former Yobe State House of Assembly candidates from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election has vehemently denied claims of their defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Instead, the forum of the aspirants reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the PDP during a press briefing in Damaturu, Yobe State.
The Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Auroma Alhaji Mustapha, firmly rejected circulating social media reports suggesting that the former candidates were planning to join the APC. “We remain loyal to our party, the PDP. We are here to set the record straight,” Mustapha stated.
According to him, despite the defection of former PDP aspirant and Board of Trustees member, Hon. Adamu Maina Waziri, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the PDP’s position in Yobe State remains strong. He highlighted that the party still holds one seat in the Yobe State House of Assembly, with Hon. Sadiq Yahaya (Attajiri) serving as the Minority Leader.
“While we acknowledge the defection of Hon. Adamu Maina Waziri, it does not diminish the strength of the PDP in Yobe. The people are dissatisfied with the APC’s administration, and they see PDP as the solution,” Mustapha added, emphasizing that the party is taking drastic steps to reposition itself for future success.
Hon. Sadiq Yahaya (Attajiri), the PDP’s sole representative in the Yobe State House of Assembly, also reiterated his loyalty to the party. “PDP remains my party, and I will continue to work to ensure its success in Yobe State,” Yahaya said.
The forum expressed dissatisfaction with the recent actions of disloyal members who allegedly worked against the party’s interests during the 2023 general election. Mustapha called on the PDP leadership to take appropriate action against members whose conduct contradicted the party’s values.
Yobe State, once a stronghold of the PDP, has seen a shift in political allegiance in recent years, with the APC gaining significant traction. However, the former PDP candidates remain confident that the party can make a comeback.
“The people of Yobe yearn for change, and we are ready to offer that change. The PDP has a bright future in the state,” Mustapha declared, reiterating the forum’s commitment to working towards rebuilding the party and securing a better future for the people of Yobe.
As the political landscape in Yobe continues to evolve, the reaffirmation of loyalty by these former candidates could signal a fresh push for the PDP in the face of APC dominance.
